Apparatus and method for the simultaneous manufacture of multiple cigarette rods

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for manufacture of continuous tobacco rods. At least one continuous rod conveyor, having at least two suction tapes, that transports continuous tobacco rods constructed from tobacco fleece as continuous double rods, at least one separator associated with each suction tape structured and arranged to separate surplus tobacco from continuous tobacco rods, and at least one garniture tape and at least one garniture structured to shape continuous tobacco rods. At least one device is structured to deliver cigarette paper onto each garniture tape, and at least one gluing device is structured and arranged to glue projecting edges of cigarette papers. At least one rod conveyor is structured and arranged to manufacture at least two continuous double rods, which are arranged in pairs. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of European Patent Application No. 03 09 0297.7, filed on Sep. 16, 2003 and European Patent Application No. 04 09 0024.3 filed Jan. 24, 2004, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns an apparatus for the manufacture of two continuous tobacco rods, which are guided parallel adjacent to each other to form a double rod, from at least one continuously delivered tobacco fleece, i.e., a continuous cigarette rod-making machine with a plurality of processing elements designed for the processing of a double rod. The apparatus includes a continuous rod conveyor for transport of the continuous tobacco rods constructed from the tobacco fleece on two suction tapes, and a separating device, corresponding to each suction tape of the continuous rod conveyor, for separating the surplus tobacco from the continuous tobacco rods. Moreover, a garniture tape for shaping the continuous tobacco rods is provided, as is a device for delivering cigarette paper onto each garniture tape. Furthermore, gluing devices for gluing a respectively projecting edge of the cigarette paper, which is otherwise wrapped round the continuous tobacco rod, a measuring device for determining the weight and/or density of the continuous single tobacco rods of the double rod, and a separating device for separating cigarettes from the double rod are also included.

Furthermore, the invention concerns a method for the manufacture of two continuous tobacco rods, which are guided parallel adjacent to each other to form a double rod, from at least one continuously delivered tobacco fleece. The method includes transporting the continuous tobacco rods constructed from the tobacco fleece on two suction tapes of a continuous rod conveyor in the direction of corresponding garniture tapes. Moreover, the method includes separating the surplus tobacco from the continuous tobacco rods before shaping of the continuous tobacco rods, and delivering cigarette paper onto the garniture tapes. Furthermore, the method includes depositing the continuous tobacco rods on the garniture tapes or on the cigarette paper, shaping the continuous tobacco rods, and simultaneously wrapping the continuous tobacco rods with the cigarette paper. The method also includes gluing a respectively projecting edge of the cigarette paper which is otherwise wrapped round the continuous tobacco rod, and closing the cigarette paper, measuring the weight and/or density of the continuous tobacco rods, and separating cigarettes from the double rod.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Apparatuses and methods of this kind are usually used in the tobacco-processing industry. The above-mentioned apparatuses are usually part of a production line, which includes a distributor for the tobacco, the actual continuous cigarette rod-making machine, a transfer unit and a filter-attaching machine. The continuous cigarette rod-making machine is supplied from the distributor with a tobacco fleece, a kind of flat tobacco mat. The known and generic continuous cigarette rod-making machines are designed for the manufacture of a single double rod from a total of two continuous single rods arranged in pairs, in such a way that the two continuous tobacco rods are manufactured parallel adjacent to each other as a pair with a set of processing elements designed for the processing of a double rod. Compared with known continuous cigarette rod-making machines in which several single continuous tobacco rods usually arranged with the same spacing adjacent to each other are manufactured, this has the advantage that a more compact design is achieved. In order to be able to manufacture more than two continuous cigarette rods in parallel. It is basically known that several single continuous cigarette rods can be arranged adjacent to each other. This solution is, above all, technically very difficult to realize, as the distance between the continuous single rods is very limited and as a rule not sufficient to position the processing elements. If, however, the necessary space is created for the processing elements, this automatically leads to a larger distance and hence to an enlargement of the design as a whole, as each continuous rod must be assigned separate processing elements. Otherwise, the structural expenditure is considerable. The productivity of the known continuous cigarette rod-making machines for the manufacture of a single continuous double rod is however limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide a compact, easy-to-handle apparatus for the parallel manufacture of more than two continuous tobacco rods. Furthermore, it is an aspect of the present invention to propose a method, which in a simple and compact manner allows the manufacture of more than two continuous tobacco rods simultaneously.

This aspect is achieved by an apparatus of the kind mentioned hereinbefore by the fact that the apparatus is designed for the manufacture of at least two continuous double rods arranged in pairs. With such an apparatus, in a surprisingly simple manner there is produced a particularly compact apparatus which ensures an effective increase in productivity. Arrangement of the continuous tobacco rods in pairs to form one double rod each, allows firstly a particularly dense arrangement of the continuous tobacco rods of a double rod, so that only one processing element is necessary for the processing of two continuous rods (of a double rod). Secondly, the design according to the invention also allows a dense arrangement of the continuous tobacco rods of adjacent double rods. There is also sufficient space for the required processing elements for the respective double rod. A further advantage lies in that it is essentially possible to resort to known components of a continuous cigarette double rod-making machine.

In one embodiment of the invention, two continuous double rods are arranged offset in height from each other and adjacent to each other. Due to this staggered arrangement, a particularly space-saving arrangement of the processing elements which allows a high-output and very compact apparatus, is ensured.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the two continuous double rods are arranged one above the other which also ensures a space-saving construction of the apparatus.

Preferably, the distance between the two continuous double rods is larger than the distance between the continuous tobacco rods of a double rod. Hence it is possible to use already existing and known (standard) processing elements without further adaptation in a space-saving manner.

Advantageously, the continuous double rods can be driven separately from each other in such a way that the continuous double rods formed from the continuous tobacco rods can be manufactured independently of each other. Hence e.g. different cigarette brands can also be made with different formats on one apparatus.

Furthermore, the aspect is achieved by a method with the steps mentioned hereinbefore, by the fact that at least two continuous double rods are manufactured simultaneously. As a result, the productivity is greatly increased compared with known methods of the generic kind, namely doubled.

Advantageously, the two continuous double rods are guided offset in height from each other and adjacent to each other during processing, so that particularly cost-efficient and space-saving manufacture is made possible. The same advantages apply to the variant in which the two continuous double rods are guided one above the other.

In one development of the invention the two continuous double rods are guided during processing at a distance from each other, which is larger than the distance between the continuous rods of a double rod. As a result, the nested arrangement of the continuous double rods on the one hand and of the respective processing elements on the other hand is possible in a particularly space-saving manner.

Due to the fact that the continuous double rods are driven separately in a further embodiment, independent operation or independent manufacture of continuous double rods in one apparatus is possible, so that e.g. different formats can be manufactured at the same time or staggered in time.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the manufacture of two continuous tobacco rods which are guided parallel and adjacent to each other to form a continuous double rod, from at least one continuously delivered tobacco fleece. The apparatus includes at least one continuous rod conveyor, having at least two suction tapes, that transports continuous tobacco rods constructed from the tobacco fleece as continuous double rods, at least one separator associated with each suction tape structured and arranged to separate surplus tobacco from the continuous tobacco rods, and at least one garniture tape and at least one garniture structured to shape the continuous tobacco rods. At least one device is structured to deliver cigarette papers onto each garniture tape, and at Least one gluing device is structured and arranged to glue projecting edges of the cigarette papers, which are substantially wrapped around the continuous tobacco rod. The at least one rod conveyor is structured and arranged to manufacture at least two continuous double rods, which are arranged in pairs.

According to the invention, the apparatus can further include a measurer that determines one of a weight and density of an individual one of the continuous single tobacco rods.

In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the apparatus can also include a separating device structured to separate the continuous double rods to form cigarettes.

According to another feature of the invention, the apparatus may be structured and arranged to manufacture an even number of the continuous tobacco rods. The continuous tobacco rods can be respectively arranged in pairs.

According to still another feature of the invention, the apparatus can be structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods are arranged parallel to each other.

The apparatus may be structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods are arranged offset in height from each other and adjacent to each other.

Further, the apparatus can be structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods are arranged one above the other. First and second continuous tobacco rods of a first continuous double rod are positioned vertically below third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of a second continuous double rod, respectively. Moreover, a distance between the first and second continuous double rods may be at least as large as a distance between one of the first and second continuous tobacco rods of the first continuous double rod and the third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of the second continuous double rod. Further, a distance between the first and second continuous double rods can be larger than a distance between one of the first and second continuous tobacco rods of the first continuous double rod and the third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of the second continuous double rod.

According to still another feature of the present invention, the at least one continuous rod conveyor may include at least two continuous rod conveyors, the at least one separator comprises at least two separators, the at least one garniture tape comprises at least two garniture tapes, and the at least one gluing device comprises at least two gluing devices. Each of the at least two continuous rod conveyors, each of the at least two separators, each of the at least two garniture tapes, and each of the at least two gluing devices can be arranged offset from with respect to height and located adjacent each other to process the continuous double rods.

Still further, the at least one continuous rod conveyor can include at least two continuous rod conveyors, the at least one separator comprises at least two separators, the at least one garniture tape comprises at least two garniture tapes, and the at least one gluing device comprises at least two gluing devices. Each of the at least two continuous rod conveyors, each of the at least two separators-, each of the at least two garniture tapes, and each of the at least two gluing devices can be arranged one above the other to process the continuous double rods.

According to another feature, the apparatus can be structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods can be driven separately from each other in such a way that the continuous double rods can be manufactured independently of each other.

The present invention is directed to a method for the manufacture of continuous tobacco rods, which are guided parallel and adjacent to each other as continuous double rods, from at least one continuously delivered tobacco fleece. The method includes transporting at least two continuous double rods as continuous tobacco rods on at least two suction tapes of at least one continuous rod conveyor, separating surplus tobacco from the continuous tobacco rods, delivering cigarette papers onto the garniture tapes, depositing the continuous tobacco rods on one of garniture tapes or the cigarette papers, shaping the continuous tobacco rods, simultaneously wrapping the continuous tobacco rods with the cigarette paper, gluing respectively projecting edges of the cigarette papers, which are substantially wrapped round the continuous tobacco rods, and closing the cigarette papers. In this manner, the at least two continuous double rods are simultaneously manufactured.

In accordance with the instant invention, the method can further include measuring one of a weight and density of the continuous tobacco rods.

According to a feature of the invention, the method may also include separating the continuous double rods to form cigarettes.

According to the method, an even number of continuous tobacco rods can be manufactured simultaneously. The continuous tobacco rods may each be arranged in pairs to form double rods.

According to the present invention, two continuous double rods can be guided parallel to each other.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, the two continuous double rods may be guided offset in height from each other and parallel adjacent to each other during processing. Alternatively, the two continuous double rods can be guided one above the other. First and second continuous tobacco rods of a first continuous double rod can be positioned vertically below third and fourth-continuous tobacco rods of a second continuous double rod, respectively.

According to still another feature, a distance between the first and second continuous double rods may be at least as large as a distance between one of the first and second continuous tobacco rods of the first continuous double rod and the third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of the second continuous double rod. Alternatively, a distance between the first and second continuous double rods is larger than a distance between one of the first and second continuous tobacco rods of the first continuous double rod and the third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of the second continuous double rod.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, each continuous double rod can be deposited, transported, separated, delivered, shaped, and glued by separate elements.

Further, the method can include separately driving the continuous double rods.

The invention is also directed to an apparatus for manufacturing tobacco rods using the above-described method. The apparatus includes at least two continuous rod conveyors. Each continuous rod conveyor can be structured to transport a continuous double rod.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the manufacture of tobacco products. The apparatus includes at least one continuous rod conveyor arranged to transport a plurality of continuous tobacco rods as continuous double tobacco rods, at least one garniture structured and arranged to shape the plurality of continuous tobacco rods, and at least one gluing device structured and arranged to glue respective projecting edges of cigarette papers of the plurality of continuous tobacco rods.

According to a feature of the instant invention, the apparatus can also include a measuring unit structured and arranged to determine one of a weight and density of the plurality of continuous double tobacco rods.

In accordance with still yet another feature of the present invention, the apparatus may include a separating unit structured and arranged to separate the plurality of continuous double tobacco rods to form cigarettes.

Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a continuous cigarette rod-making machine in which the continuous double rods are offset in height from each other and adjacent to each other, with a distributor upstream and transfer device downstream;

FIG. 2 shows a detail enlargement from FIG. 1, namely the continuous rod conveyor with the separating elements for separating the surplus tobacco from the continuous tobacco rods;

FIG. 3 shows a detail enlargement from FIG. 1, namely the measuring device for determining the weight and/or the density of the continuous rods with the separating elements for separating double-length cigarettes from the continuous tobacco rods as well as the transfer device; and

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a further continuous cigarette rod-making machine in which the continuous double rods are arranged one above the other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.

The apparatus of the present invention is used for the parallel manufacture of two continuous double rods from tobacco, in which two continuous tobacco rods each are arranged adjacent to each other in pairs.

In FIG. 1 is shown an apparatus 10, namely the continuous cigarette rod-making machine with the components mounted upstream and downstream, respectively. On the input side, associated with the apparatus 10 is a distributor 11, which is designed to deliver several streams of tobacco fleece to the apparatus, preferably four streams, for further processing. Downstream from the apparatus a transfer device 12, not described in more detail, is mounted which transfers the (usually) double-length cigarettes produced on the apparatus 10, to a subsequent processing station, e.g. a filter-attaching machine (not shown).

Adjoining the distributor 11 in the direction of transport of the tobacco (see arrow 13) are four fluidized bed troughs 14, 15, 16 and 17. The fluidized bed troughs 14 to 17 are used for continuously conveying the tobacco in fleece form to two continuous rod conveyors 18 and 19 mounted downstream in the direction of transport 13. Each continuous rod conveyor 18, 19 has two suction tapes 20, 91; 22, 23, wherein two suction tapes 20, 21 or 22, 23 are each used to form a continuous double rod 28, 29 each containing two continuous tobacco rods 24, 25 or 26, 27.

The continuous double rods 28, 29 are arranged adjacent to each other and run parallel to each other. The continuous double rods 28, 29 are arranged on different levels in a vertical direction, so that they are offset from each other in height. In other words, the transport and processing levels of each continuous double rod 28, 29 run at different heights. Alternatively, it is also possible for the continuous double rods 28, 29 to be arranged directly one above the other. This relates to, e.g., the continuous tobacco rod 24 of the double rod 28 lies vertically below the continuous tobacco rod 26 of the double rod 29, and the continuous tobacco rod 25 of the double rod 28 lies vertically below the continuous tobacco rod 27 of the double rod 29.

Each continuous double rod 28, 29 is assigned processing elements having the same construction for manufacture of the total of four continuous rods 24 to 27, wherein the processing elements are designed so as to ensure parallel processing of a continuous double rod 28 or 29. In particular with reference to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the distance of the continuous double rod 28 from the continuous double rod 29 is at least as large as the distance between continuous single rods 24, 25 or 26, 27 of a double rod 28, 29, but preferably larger. In other words, the distance between the adjacent continuous tobacco rods 25 and 26, which are each assigned to another double rod 28 or 29, is larger than the distance between the continuous tobacco rods 24 and 25 or 26 and 27. This parallel guiding of the continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27 or of the double rods 28, 29 is maintained by the apparatus 10 throughout transport and throughout processing.

The continuous rod conveyors 18, 19 are designed in the embodiment shown as rotating endless belt conveyors in such a way that the tobacco can be conveyed in the direction of transport 13, preferably suspended. Other types of transport, e.g. horizontal transport, are possible. The tobacco fleece is here assigned to each suction tape 20 to 23 to form the respective continuous tobacco rod 24 to 27 in a separate track. Below each suction tape 20 to 23 is arranged conventional separating devices 30, 31, 32, 33 for trimming the continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27 or, to be more precise, for separating off the surplus tobacco. Shortly behind the separating devices 30 to 33 in the direction of transport 13 and shortly before the suction tapes 20 to 23 end, corresponding to each suction tape 20 to 23 is arranged a garniture tape 34, 35, 36, 37. The garniture tapes 34, 35 are used for further guiding the continuous double rod 28, and the garniture tapes 36, 37 are used for further guiding the continuous double rod 29. Two garniture tapes 34, 35 or 36, 37 each have a common drive. In the region of intersection of the suction tapes 20 to 23 on the one hand and of the garniture tapes 34 to 37 on the other hand, transfer of the tobacco fleece from the suction tapes 20 to 23 to the garniture tapes 34 to 37 takes place.

The garniture tapes 34 to 37 are arranged on a level below the suction tapes 20 to 23 and also designed as endlessly rotating belt conveyors. The garniture tapes 34 to 37 in each case pass through a garniture (not shown) for shaping the continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27, namely in particular for shaping cylindrical continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27. In the region of the garniture tapes 34 to 37 are further arranged by a device (not shown) for the delivery of cigarette paper onto the garniture tapes 34 to 37 as well as gluing devices 38 and 39 which are designed as nozzles discs or the like for gluing the cigarette paper. Behind the garnitures are then provided device 40, 41 for heating or drying the glue seams. Further in the direction of transport 13, each continuous double rod 28, 29 is assigned measuring devices 42, 43 for determining the weight and/or density of the continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27. The measuring devices 42, 43 are arranged parallel adjacent to each other in the embodiment shown, but can be offset from each other as well. Behind the measuring device 42, 43 are arranged separating devices 44 and 45 before the continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27 are transferred to the transfer device 12. The separating devices 44, 45 are each designed for separating double-length cigarettes of a double rod 28, 29.

In further embodiments, not shown, more than two pairs of double rods can also be arranged adjacent to each other and/or offset from each other in height, or one above the other. Advantageously the apparatus 10 is designed for the manufacture of an even number of continuous tobacco rods, wherein the continuous tobacco rods are each arranged and guided in pairs. The corresponding components, namely the distributor upstream and the transfer device downstream are then designed accordingly.

As already mentioned for the embodiment as in FIGS. 1 to 3, all the processing elements or function elements or functions are redundant, namely for each continuous double rod 28, 29, wherein the processing elements which are each designed for the processing of a continuous double rod 28, 29 are, like the continuous double rods 28, 29 arranged one above the other, also arranged one above the other.

For all the embodiments, operation of the apparatus 10, which in the embodiments shown includes two dividing devices, namely for each continuous double rod 28, 29 one dividing device, in a common housing, is variable. In this way, the continuous double rods 28, 29 or the respective dividing devices can be driven separately. This can be done, e.g., by assigning single drives for each continuous double rod 28, 29. Due to the separate drive, at least two continuous double rods 28, 29 formed from the continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27 can be made independently of each other. Thus different formats, e.g., different tobacco stick lengths and/or tobacco stick diameters, can be made with the apparatus 10 at the same time or staggered in time. Of course, all the continuous double rods 28. 29 or dividing devices can also be driven together, e.g. by an overriding general drive.

The method for the manufacture of two continuous double rods proceeds basically as follows. From the distributor 11, tobacco-is guided in four streams to the apparatus 10. The tobacco is designed as a fleece. Via the fluidized bed troughs 14 to 17, to each continuous rod conveyor 18, 19 or to each suction tape 20 to 23 of the continuous rod conveyors 18, 19 is delivered a uniform portion of the fleece, wherein the fleece is pressed or sucked against the lower side of the suction tapes 20 to 23 within the fluidized bed troughs 14 to 17 by a circulating air stream. Upward acceleration of the tobacco is also spoken of in this connection. The rotationally driven suction tapes 20 to 23 then transport the tobacco fleece or the continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27 constructed from it in suspension for further processing. The suspended continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27 are freed from surplus tobacco by the separating device 24 to 27. The trimmed continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27 are then laid on the cigarette paper, which is in each case placed on the garniture tape 34 to 37. In this region the garniture tapes 34 to 37 with the cigarette paper positioned thereon as well as the suction tapes 20 to 23 are synchronized. The cigarette paper is taken off a bobbin, passed through a print mechanism and then deposited on the respective garniture tape 34 to 37. The garniture tapes 34 to 37 transport each continuous tobacco rod 24 to 27 and the cigarette paper through the garniture in which the cigarette paper is wrapped round the continuous rod 24 to 27. In the process, one edge is left standing, and glue is applied to it by the gluing nozzles 38, 39. The two edges of the continuous rods 24, 25 or 26, 27 of a double rod 28 or 29 are each glued jointly. Then, the adhesive seam is closed, and dried in a double rod with the device 40, 41. The continuous double rods 28, 29 made in this way then each pass through the measuring device 42, 43 which control the separating devices 30 to 33. In the next step, cigarettes are cut off from each continuous tobacco rod 24 to 27, the cutting being done again in pairs. In other words, the separating device 44 separates the continuous rods 24, 25, and the separating device 45 separates the continuous rods 26, 27. By use of the transfer device the cigarettes are transferred for subsequent processing

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus for the manufacture of continuous tobacco rods which are guided parallel and adjacent to each other to form continuous double rods, from at least one continuously delivered tobacco fleece, comprising: at least one continuous rod conveyor, including at least two suction tapes, that transports continuous tobacco rods constructed from the tobacco fleece as continuous double-rods; at least one separator associated with each suction tape structured and arranged to separate surplus tobacco from the continuous tobacco rods; at least one garniture tape and at least one garniture structured to shape the continuous tobacco rods; at least one device structured to deliver cigarette papers onto each garniture tape; and at least one gluing device structured and arranged to glue projecting edges of the cigarette papers, which are substantially wrapped around the continuous tobacco rod, wherein said at least one rod conveyor is structured and arranged to manufacture at least two continuous double rods, which are arranged in pairs.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a measurer that determines one of a weight and density of an individual one of the continuous single tobacco rods.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a separating device structured to separate the continuous double rods to form cigarettes.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is structured and arranged to manufacture an even number of the continuous tobacco rods, wherein the continuous tobacco rods are respectively arranged in pairs.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods are arranged parallel to each other.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods are arranged offset in height from each other and adjacent to each other.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods are arranged one above the other.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein first and second continuous tobacco rods of a first continuous double rod are positioned vertically below third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of a second continuous double rod, respectively.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a distance between said first and second continuous double rods is at least as large as a distance between one of said first and second continuous tobacco rods of said first continuous double rod and said third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of said second continuous double rod.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a distance between said first and second continuous double rods is larger than a distance between one of said first and second continuous tobacco rods of said first continuous double rod and said third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of said second continuous double rod.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one continuous rod conveyor comprises at least two continuous rod conveyors, said at least one separator comprises at least two separators, said at least one garniture tape comprises at least two garniture tapes, and said at least one gluing device comprises at least two gluing devices, and wherein each of said at least two continuous rod conveyors, each of said at least two separators, each of said at least two garniture tapes, and each of said at least two gluing devices are arranged offset from with respect to height and located adjacent each other to process the continuous double rods.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one continuous rod conveyor comprises at least two continuous rod conveyors, said at least one separator comprises at least two separators, said at least one garniture tape comprises at least two garniture tapes, and said at least one gluing device comprises at least two gluing devices, and wherein each of said at least two continuous rod conveyors, each of said at least two separators, each of said at least two garniture tapes, and each of said at least two gluing devices are arranged one above the other to process the continuous double rods.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods can be driven separately from each other in such a way that the continuous double rods can be manufactured independently of each other.
 14. A method for the manufacture of continuous tobacco rods, which are guided parallel and adjacent to each other as continuous double rods, from at least one continuously delivered tobacco fleece, the method comprising: transporting at least two continuous double rods as continuous tobacco rods on at least two suction tapes of at least one continuous rod conveyor; separating surplus tobacco from the continuous tobacco rods; delivering cigarette papers onto the garniture tapes; depositing the continuous tobacco rods on one of garniture tapes or the cigarette papers; shaping the continuous tobacco rods; simultaneously wrapping the continuous tobacco rods with the cigarette paper; gluing respectively projecting edges of the cigarette papers, which are substantially wrapped round the continuous tobacco rods; and closing the cigarette papers, whereby the at least two continuous double rods are simultaneously manufactured.
 15. The method according to claim 14 further comprising: measuring one of a weight and density of the continuous tobacco rods.
 16. The method according to claim 14 further comprising: separating the continuous double rods to form cigarettes.
 17. The method according to claim 14, wherein an even number of continuous tobacco rods are manufactured simultaneously, wherein the continuous tobacco rods are each arranged in pairs to form double rods.
 18. The method according to claim 14, wherein two continuous double rods are guided parallel to each other.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the two continuous double rods are guided offset in height from each other and parallel adjacent to each other during processing.
 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the two continuous double rods are guided one above the other.
 21. The method according to claim 18, wherein first and second continuous tobacco rods of a first continuous double rod are positioned vertically below third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of a second continuous double rod, respectively.
 22. The method according to claim 14, wherein a distance between said first and second continuous double rods is at least as large as a distance between one of said first and second continuous tobacco rods of said first continuous double rod and said third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of said second continuous double rod.
 23. The method according to claim 14, wherein a distance between said first and second continuous double rods is larger than a distance between one of said first and second continuous tobacco rods of said first continuous double rod and said third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of said second continuous double rod.
 24. The method according to claim 14, wherein each continuous double rod is deposited, transported, separated, delivered., shaped, and glued-by separate elements.
 25. The method according to claim 14, further comprising separately driving the continuous double rods.
 26. An apparatus for manufacturing tobacco rods using the method according to claim 14, said apparatus comprising: at least two continuous rod conveyors, wherein each continuous rod conveyor is structured to transport a continuous double rod.
 27. An apparatus for the manufacture of tobacco products comprising: at least one continuous rod conveyor arranged to transport a plurality of continuous tobacco rods as continuous double tobacco rods; at least one garniture structured and arranged to shape the plurality of continuous tobacco rods; at least one gluing device structured and arranged to glue respective projecting edges of cigarette papers of said plurality of continuous tobacco rods.
 28. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a measuring unit structured and arranged to determine one of a weight and density of the plurality of continuous double tobacco rods.
 29. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a separating unit structured and arranged to separate the plurality of continuous double tobacco rods to form cigarettes. 